Tokyo Weekender August 2016
Far from the Madding Crowd Secret Diving Spots, an Organic Farm, a Mountain Onsen, and Other Dreamy Getaways Also: Rediscovered Photos from WWII, Change the Way You Watch TV, Summer Drinks, and a Rio Sports Roundup
Far from the Madding Crowd Secret Diving Spots, an Organic Farm, a Mountain Onsen, and Other Dreamy Getaways
Also: Rediscovered Photos from WWII, Change the Way You Watch TV, Summer Drinks, and a Rio Sports Roundup
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EXTRAORDINARY<br />
EXPERIENCES IN<br />
Joetsu<br />
Words by Annemarie Luck<br />
Found in the mountainous southwest part of Niigata Prefecture, the Joetsu region<br />
consists of three cities: Joetsu, Myoko, and Itoigawa. Probably best known for its<br />
excellent winter skiing conditions – it gets up to three meters of snowfall! – the<br />
area also has plenty to offer during the warmer seasons<br />
MYOKO HAPPINESS<br />
ILLUMINATION HOLDS<br />
A GUINNESS WORLD<br />
RECORD FOR BEING<br />
THE ‘LARGEST IMAGE<br />
MADE OF LED LIGHTS’<br />
THE WORLD’S LARGEST ILLUMINATION<br />
Featuring 1,6 million lights, Myoko Happiness Illumination holds a 2015 Guinness<br />
World Record for being the “Largest Image Made of LED Lights.” Held at<br />
APA Hotel in Myoko, the event is now in its third year and takes over part of the<br />
resort’s 27-hole golf course, attracting nearly 300,000 visitors. The course, which<br />
is divided up into different themed sections, was created by noted illumination<br />
designer Motoo Marumaru, and takes about 90 to 120 minutes to walk through.<br />
It features a light tunnel, impressive water projections of the Wind God and<br />
Thunder God, and a two massive dragons to end off the colorful display. It’s<br />
a little far for a daytrip, so it’s a good idea to check into APA Hotel for a night<br />
or two, which will also give you a chance to work your way through the rest<br />
of our “top 5” list.<br />
Until November 15. Adults ¥1,500 (advance ¥1,400), school students ¥1,000<br />
(advance ¥900). For more info, visit tinyurl.com/TWmyoko-illumination<br />
24 | AUGUST <strong>2016</strong> | TOKYO WEEKENDER